Posted August 10, 2026
For more than 50 years, the Pathways Peer Support Program (Pathways) has been a staple in Ashland County, providing a welcoming space for individuals seeking connection, support, and tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Pathways provides recovery-oriented groups and programming that promote positive relationships and healthy coping skills.
“We accept folks as they are and help them learn how to be safe for themselves and others,” Program Administrator Deb Brookshire said.
Meetings take place in person on Mondays and Thursdays, online on Tuesdays, and one Friday each month in Loudonville. Participants can also enjoy dinner and movie nights one Friday each month.
During their time together, participants discuss topics such as boundaries, budgeting, and coping skills. Guest speakers also visit to talk about healthy relationships, managing anger, and other topics that support personal growth.
“A lot of the groups that we have are at the request of the participants,” Deb said.
Pathways gives participants the opportunity to focus on their well-being while connecting with others who may be experiencing similar emotions and challenges. For many, that sense of understanding and belonging can make all the difference.
After being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Stacy felt depressed, isolated, and defined by her diagnosis. She had participated in other support groups and organizations but often felt like people saw her for what was “wrong” with her rather than who she was.
That changed when she found Pathways Peer Support.
“It’s a well-kept secret in Ashland that needs to be exposed to everybody,” Stacy said, “...the focus is on the individual and not ‘what’s wrong with me, but what has happened.’”
Through Pathways, Stacy has built positive relationships and friendships with people she knows will always be there for her.
“There’s support. If I don’t go for a week, people will follow up with me just to make sure I’m doing okay,” Stacy said.
Participating in all that Pathways has to offer has helped Stacy regain her self-confidence and sense of worth. Today, she is giving back to her community and using her experiences to support others.
“I volunteer, I’m on the board of Appleseed, I was doing some contract services with Appleseed and doing support groups.” Stacy said.
For those who have felt like outcasts, are ready to learn skills to cope with difficult emotions or simply need to be surrounded by people who understand, Pathways is here to help.
“This is the place [for those] who have been often outcasts, often marginalized, and this is the place where they belong,” Deb said.
Programs like Pathways are an important resource for communities and can have a lasting impact on those who walk through the doors. The program welcomes visitors with open arms, and no diagnosis is needed to participate.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Pathways, click the button below or call (419) 496-0140.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
